when they make these great changes," he continued.
"Of what avail is the improvement of the mind ?" she said, and followed his stumble over the "when," and dropped on it.
"Of what avail! Is marriage to stop your intellectual growth ?" "Without sympathy," she faltered, and was shocked at what she said; but it seemed a necessity.
"You must learn to conquer the need for it." Alas! his admonition only made her feel the need more cravingly.
"Promise me one thing," he said.

"You will not fall into the rut?
Let me keep the ideal you have given me.

For the sake of heaven, do not cloud for me the one bright image I hold! Let me know always that you are growing, and that the pure, noble intelligence which distinguishes you advances, and will not be subdued." Cornelia smiled faintly.

"You have judged me too generously, Mr.
Barrett." "Too little so! might I tell you!" He stopped short, and she felt the silence like a great wave sweeping over her.
They were nearing the lake, with the stump of the pollard-willow in sight, and toward it they went.
"I shall take the consolation of knowing that I shall hear of you, some day," she said, having recourse to a look of cheerfulness.
He knew her to allude to certain hopes of fame.

"I am getting wiser, I fear--too wise for ambition!" "That is a fallacy, a sophism." He pointed to the hollow tree.